The Black Sea coast was a line of passage and conflict for centuries; each period built its own defences. In Giresun the trace of this is five castles. But do not look at the list and try to see them all in one day: there is a big difference between them in both distance and difficulty.
1. Giresun Castle · Centre
The top of the rocky headland the city is built on. Its core reaches back to the Kingdom of Pontus; it was repaired many times under Rome, Byzantium, the Empire of Trebizond and the Ottomans.
Today the interior is a promenade: trees, benches, a tea house. The memorial tomb of Topal Osman is also here. You can drive up.
- Difficulty: Easy · Time: 1-2 hours · Fee: Free
2. Tirebolu Castle (St. Jean) · Tirebolu
On a cape reaching into the sea, a structure reaching back to the Genoese period. Small but very well placed: the harbour and coastline are seen from above.
The climb is short and easy. The late-afternoon light is best.
- Difficulty: Easy · Time: 45 min · Fee: Free
3. Andoz Castle · Espiye
A ruin standing inland, on a hill. Its real value is the view: Espiye and the sea are seen together. The structure is plain and the area undeveloped; think of it as a short break.
- Difficulty: Easy-medium · Time: 45 min · Fee: Free
4. Bedrama Castle · Tirebolu
The tough one on the list. The path begins where the vehicle road ends; there is a short but steep climb.
Note: After rain the rocks and moss become slippery; choose a dry day. Long sleeves and sturdy boots are needed, as the path is thick with thorny plants. Not recommended with small children.
- Difficulty: Hard · Time: 2 hours · Fee: Free
5. Şebinkarahisar Castle · Şebinkarahisar
On top of a sheer rock mass, at 1,350 metres. The symbol of the district; visible even from a distance. The climb is steep and tiring, but from the top the district and the surrounding valleys are seen in full.
2.5-3 hours from the coast; not a day trip, so plan it as part of a Şebinkarahisar visit.
- Difficulty: Medium-hard · Time: 1-2 hours · Fee: Free
Comparison
| Castle | District | Difficulty | To centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giresun Castle | Centre | Easy | 1 km |
| Tirebolu Castle | Tirebolu | Easy | 45 km |
| Andoz Castle | Espiye | Easy-medium | 30 km |
| Bedrama Castle | Tirebolu | Hard | 50 km |
| Şebinkarahisar | Şebinkarahisar | Medium-hard | ~150 km |
How to plan?
- Half a day: Giresun Castle
- One day: Andoz + Tirebolu (the coastal line)
- For those who like walking: a separate half-day for Bedrama
- With an overnight: Şebinkarahisar
On the map
On the map the castles run from the coast to the interior; combine the ones close together.
Open the guide